By our initiative Europe for Christ! we have published 40 Letters for Europe about a wide range of issues in the last few years. Our 41st monthly letter is dedicated to prepare the coming Elections to the European Parliament (4th – 7th of June).

Please take into consideration to forward this email to your friends who might find it useful as well. Our website is available in ten languages!

Your “Europe for Christ” – team

PS: Thank you for joining us in prayers for a Christian renewal of our continent!

Parties and candidates are different in each EU-country. In order to take an informed decision on how to vote, let us sum up some general principles of consideration.

I) DECIDE TO VOTE!

Seize this possibility. Don’t let this important decision be made by other people who might not share your convictions.

II) INVESTIGATE!

As a responsible Christian, it is necessary to spend some time investigating: What does a particular party stand for? What is the personal conviction of the candidates you would elect? Both questions are important.

III) CONFRONT!

During an election campaign, candidates are very open to thoughts from the electorate. Use the opportunity to ask: What will you do in this one important issue? Why did you vote in a certain way back then? Every email, every call is interpreted to be a concern of many. Show that the Christian voice is alive!

IV) VOTE!

Even if you have to make a compromise: Not to vote will be only in favour of those with an opposite agenda. Distinguish choosing evil from limiting evil!

V) SUPPORT A CANDIDATE

with more than your vote if you find a really good one!

VI) STAY TUNED!

Your involvement with EU-politics must not end with casting your vote. Keep an eye on those you elected. When you hear of an issue important to you, find out what is their take on things. To do so you can use for example the website of the European Parliament.

VII) HOLD YOUR CANDIDATE RESPONSIBLE!

Be quick in contacting your representative in the European Parliament. Tell him or her when you are happy, and tell them when you are unhappy with the work they do.

Weigh Your Issues of Interest as a Christian!

Europe for Christ! is an ecumenical initiative. Nonetheless, we would like to supply this doctrinal note of Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. It is a concise and useful summary of what Christians should look out for in politics.

According to Pope Benedict, this is what Christians should ask: What does a particular party, what does a particular candidate say and do about…

1) … the basic right to life from conception to natural death?

2) … the duty to respect and protect the rights of the human embryo?

3) … the family based on monogamous marriage between a man and a woman?

4) … the freedom of parents regarding the education of their children?

5) … society’s duty to protect minors from modern forms of slavery such as drug abuse and prostitution?

6) … the right to religious freedom?

7) … the development of an economy that is at the service of the human person and of the common good (with respect for social justice, the principles of human solidarity and subsidiarity)?

8) … bringing about peace in the community and the world?

See also “Doctrinal Note” on some questions regarding The Participation of Catholics in Political Life (Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, November 24, 2002):